finale

noun

fi·​na·​le fə-ˈna-lē  fi-ˈnä- 

: the close or termination of something: such as

a

: the last section of an instrumental musical composition

the symphony's finale

b

: the closing part, scene, or number in a public performance

the finale of the ballet

In the finale, the singer sang an Italian classic.

c

: the last and often climactic event or item in a sequence

the TV show's season finale

Synonyms of finale

• ending
• conclusion
• end
• culmination

Examples of finale in a Sentence

She sung a very difficult song for the finale.

the finale to the festivities was a grand display of fireworks

Recent Examples on the Web

Their performances keep the audience guessing about both characters until Holloway finally brings the pieces together in a tremendously satisfying finale. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Paranormal Activity, the play, builds to the sort of slick and grisly finale that would be just right for the end of a cruel horror movie, but that lands awkwardly onstage. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026

Following the premiere date, two new episodes will be released every Friday until the finale on October 9. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

In the homestand finale, the Astros blew a six-run lead against the A’s. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, noun derivative of finale, adjective, "last, final entry 1," going back to Latin fīnālis

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing finale

• grand finale

Rhymes for finale

• alley
• alli
• bally
• calli
• challis
• dally
• galley
• galli
• lally
• mallee
• mally
• rally

Kids Definition

finale

noun

fi·​na·​le fə-ˈnal-ē  fi-ˈnäl- 

: the close or end of something (as a musical work)